Claudia Risner

• PhD
• PhD at Old Dominion University

I am interested in comparing the learning process and adaptive cycle in the context of cities working together in transnational city networks for climate action. Lee and van de Meene (2012) conceptualized the learning process into three phases (information gathering, adoption, policy change) in their network analysis study. I would like to look further into urban policy change and whether TCNs are a necessary condition to catalyze cities building resilience against sea-level rise. I think a better understanding of the phases of the adaptive cycle would be useful. I would appreciate any assistance.

I'm looking for the metrics, databases, quantifiable characteristics to conduct a comparison of the cities that face risks from the sea-level rise and are taking action to mitigate and/ or adapt to their changing environment. I would prefer a world-wide rather than region centric database.

I am researching the contrasting approaches taken by two global port cities - Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and the Hampton Roads region in VIrginia - to address the common threat of sea-level rise.  Rotterdam and other Dutch coastal cities have centuries of water management experience and, since the North Sea storm of 1953, have aggressively sought to weather-proof themselves. The Netherlands has empowered Dutch cities to reduce their vulnerability and increase their resilience.  The Hampton Roads area (Chesapeake Bay) faces a similar threat of extreme weather storm surges and flooding.  In contrast to the Netherlands, the Virginian coastal cities have largely ignored this threat and the state is reluctant to delegate authority and provide resources.  I am particularly interested in understanding the political institutions that influence these behaviors.